FAQs about the RESET-Myositis Trial for CAR-T
What is Cabaletta’s RESET Myositis trial? RESET-Myositis is a phase 1/2 clinical trial being conducted to evaluate the effects of the investigational cell treatment CABA-201 in patients with dermatomyositis (DM), antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) who have active disease. Patients with juvenile myositis and dermatomyositis are eligible to apply. 2. What is […]
The Carpenters turn Lemons to Lemonade!
The Carpenter family hopes their efforts will raise awareness for Cure JM and bring hope to families like theirs.
The community went above and beyond in showing their support for the lemonade stand.
The 1000 cups with lids the Carpenters ordered quickly cleared out as more and more lemonade was sold!
Parrish’s Story
We would like to introduce a one-of-a-kind, competitive, and determined young man, named Parrish. His story of resiliency and hope is one that will resonate with many of us in the Cure JM family. Parrish faced many challenges in his journey with JM, but found hope and support in his family and the Cure JM community. We are pleased to now share his experience to help others facing the same struggles during Myositis Awareness Month.
Optimizing Myositis Care: The Role of Biologics
Biologics are a therapies that derived from living cells or through biological processes. They are a promising new class of drugs used to treat myositis. Unlike traditional medications that suppress the entire immune system, biologics target specific parts of the immune system involved in the inflammatory process. A few notes: Types of biologics used in […]
Protected: Could CAR-T Be A “Magic Bullet” We’ve Been Looking For?
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May 2024 Symposium
The Spring Cure JM Medical Symposium in partnership with Duke University happened May 23rd, 2024, virtually, with presentations from world-leading researchers and clinicians on advancements in basic research, translational studies, and best practice clinical care in juvenile dermatomyositis.
Volunteering Speaks Volumes
Are you eager to make a meaningful impact and connect with a community committed to an important cause? The Cure JM Foundation welcomes passionate volunteers like you! Whether you can spare just a few moments or have more time to give, your dedication can greatly advance our mission.
Volunteer Spotlight- Kristine Alderfer
Kristine has been involved in Cure JM through volunteer roles for many years, and her involvement has become a family affair, as her daughter Katherine is a patient advocate for others with the disease.
Getting the Diagnosis
It often takes a bit of time for children with juvenile myositis (JM) to get a proper diagnosis. This is due to the fact that it is rare, it comes in many different forms, and the disease looks different for each individual. Getting a diagnosis is important no matter how long the process takes. Click […]
Jim’s 2023 Cure JM National Family Conference Recap, Washington, DC
Cure JM held its first post-COVID Family Conference earlier this summer. The conference was an extraordinary experience for families and leaders on so many levels, and I remain in awe of everything this organization has achieved because of the passion you bring to our mission.
Shop to Support Cure JM
We have compiled a list of Cure JM items you can purchase, as well as other products, that might help you and your child in their JM journey.
Video Resources
At Cure JM, we want all our information to be accessible to you and your family. We have compiled all of our video resources in one place for you to view at your leisure.
Jim’s 2024 Resolutions
Each January, I share with our community a few personal New Year’s resolutions for the year ahead. I believe these resolutions help us keep a keen focus on the priorities that matter most—better treatments, better care, and a cure for JM.
Austin Krainz’s Story
Austin Krainz, diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis at the age of seven, overcame the challenges of a rare disease with the support of his family and pioneering treatment from Dr. Lauren Pachman. After more than a decade of battling the illness, Austin entered remission, fulfilling his childhood dream of professional racing in Porsche’s GT America series.
Season of Gratitude
I am writing to wish you and your family the very best this Holiday Season. This time of year, especially, I am filled with deep appreciation for all that Cure JM families have accomplished to advance our mission, to improve the lives of children living with JM, and to support the doctors and researchers driving better treatments as we fight for a cure.
Sydney’s Story
Spring break should be about fun and relaxation. Sandi and her husband Zack expected their trip to Mexico would be the same. Of course, taking their two young toddlers with them wouldn’t guarantee much relaxation, but they were counting on the fact it’d be fun for the family. From the very beginning of the trip, […]
Research Achievements
A task that seemed daunting 20 years ago, to change the world for patients diagnosed with juvenile myositis, is now within our reach.
My Mission, My Impact – The Carlson’s Ride Strong
We are continually moved by the creativity and unwavering passion that our families exude in their DIY fundraisers that make our mission possible. My Mission, My Impact, is dedicated to spotlighting some incredible events and fundraisers that breathe new life into our continued mission. The families featured have channeled their creative energy and talents to […]
Affordable and Accessible Treatments for JM
Two special guest speakers, Michelle Vogel, MPA, IV Solutions RX, and Laurel Cherwin, BSN, RN, IgCN, Octapharma, shared information on navigating affordable treatments and care for JM patients.
Two Grandmothers’ Stories
Two Grandmother’s share their story and experience when their granddaughter Emma is diagnosed with JM.
Sari’s Story
Sari’s pain began in September of 2018, during gymnastics practice. It started in her shoulder. She didn’t give it much thought. But then it worsened, soon becoming constant. One night, she was on gymnastics bars continuing her work after practice. She wanted to execute a particular skill, but the pain stopped her from completing the […]
Vamorolone FAQs in JM
With the looming FDA approval of the drug vamorolone in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, there are questions surrounding the drug’s status for trials in juvenile myositis. We have consulted with JM experts on the potential implications of a pending approval for the drug in another disease and what this currently means for JM patients living in the U.S.
Embedded Behavioral Health Care in a Center of Excellence
A recently published study on integrating mental health care into a pediatric rheumatology specialty clinic, supported by the Cure JM Foundation, concluded that the need for mental health care is great and despite the challenges, with the coordination of various stakeholders, it is possible. Published in Frontiers, the principal authors were Dr. Susan Shenoi, a pediatric […]
Lemons To Lemonade For Kids
Our Story – Humble Beginnings Twenty-one years ago, Cure JM co-founders Tom and Shari Hume set up the Foundation’s first-ever DIY fundraiser to seed important new research funding. What was the fundraiser of choice? Considering the couple had young children, a lemonade stand was the perfect fit to launch a rare disease nonprofit during humble […]
Balancing Work and Caregiving: Strategies for Working Parents of Children with Juvenile Myositis
Balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of caregiving is a challenging task for any parent. For those with a child diagnosed with juvenile myositis (JM), a rare autoimmune disease affecting children, the challenge is heightened. Juggling work commitments while providing the necessary care and support for a child with JM can be taxing. In this article, we hope to provide you with a few effective strategies and insights to help working parents navigate this delicate balance.
“Ask the Doc” – Sun Protection Tricks & Tips for Summer 2023
With summer underway, we are honored to share our latest “Ask the Doc” Town Hall on Sun Protection Tips and Tricks for Summer. In this session, Shelia Angeles-Han, MD, MSc, and Kalyani Marathe, MD, MPH of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, share the importance of sun protection for JM patients.
Sun Protection Tips & Tricks: What Parents, Grandparents, and Patients Need to Know
Ask The Doc: Why Exercise and Nutrition Are Important In JM
We are honored to share this insightful presentation and Q&A on the importance of exercise and nutrition in treating juvenile myositis with Dr. Brian Feldman of The Hospital for Sick Children and the Cure JM Clinical Care Network.
What role does exercise and nutrition play in JM treatment? When should JM patients be cleared for exercise? What effects do exercise and nutrition have on disease outcomes?
Join Cure JM Foundation for a Virtual Symposium
Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Advances in Basic Research, Translational Studies and Clinical Care May 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. EST 3.0 CME credits are available through Duke University Session 1 10:00 – 10:10: Opening Comments and Introduction. Nikki Hahn (Chair, Cure JM Foundation Board of Directors), Andrew Heaton Ph.D. (CSO, Cure JM Foundation) 10:10 – 10:35: Sarah […]
Abatacept Trial Concludes With Favorable Results In JM Treatment
A clinical trial treating patients with juvenile myositis with the drug abatacept resulted in lower disease activity and clinically significant responses in most patients. The trial was conducted at the Cure JM Center of Excellence at George Washington University, and preliminary results were presented at the Global Conference on Myositis. Abatacept was generally well tolerated […]
Cure JM Research Consortium Receives Prestigious Chan Zuckerberg Grant
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has awarded Cure JM and a consortium of Cure JM-funded researchers a coveted $2 million rare disease research grant to identify new biomarkers in JM and improve precise, personalized care through the identification of cell-to-cell interactions that drive inflammation in juvenile myositis.
Cure JM’s 20th Year Opens With the Promise of Four New Research Grants
Research Grants: New Grantees and Exciting Updates From Existing Grant Recipients This year saw a very strong field of grant applications across a variety of JDM research projects. Again, we saw applications spanning the globe, recognition of the Cure JM Foundation’s preeminence in JM research, and global reach. There is a robust process to rank […]
Parent Ambassadors for Cure JM’s Giving Tuesday Holiday Challenge
Your Participation Means a Lot to Our Success We are pleased to recognize our Parent Ambassadors for Cure JM’s Giving Tuesday Holiday Challenge. The Parent Ambassadors have stepped into a leadership role to help make the biggest day of the year a huge success for our kids. We are so grateful to all our ambassadors […]
Save the Date- 2025 Cure JM Conference
We are excited to announce that the Cure JM National Family Conference will be back in 2025! Join us for three days with world-class JM researchers, engaging sessions for all, and social time to connect with new friends. The 15th Annual Cure JM National Family Conference is taking place June 27th -June 29th, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois.
IVIG: What Families Need to Know
Learn about IVIG (immunoglobulin therapy administered by vein). This session features Dr. Fatma Dedeoglu of Boston Children’s Hospital, Huub Kreuwel PhD, of Octapharma Plasma, and patient advocate, Michelle Vogel, of CSI Pharmacy.
Nutrition and Exercise
How to apply the nutrition and exercise recommendations sometimes provided by healthcare providers and make them work for your family in the “real world.”
The Importance of Exercise in Juvenile Myositis
Explore the importance of exercise in the management of juvenile myositis. Presented by Sue Maillard, a specialist physiotherapist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
An Educational Resource and Exercise Video for Children and Their Parents
This video features stretching exercises that are an important part of rehabilitation for JM patients. The video was created for Muscular Dystrophy patients, but is still applicable for JM patients.
Sample Medication Chart
The number of medications used to manage juvenile myositis and its side effects can be overwhelming. Cure JM developed this sample medication chart to help you stay organized.
Child’s Checklist for Doctor Visits
One of the ways you can help your children cope with juvenile myositis is by giving them a sense of control over their doctor visits and treatments.
Alexandra’s Story
Alexandra grew up in Philadelphia. At eight years old, she was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. Her first symptom was pain in her cuticles whenever she touched something. Then came the rash, weakness, painful inflammation, and a host of other symptoms. Daily activities were painful, but the rash would be her main symptom during her over […]
Madi’s Story
Kindergarten is about making friends, learning how to count by two’s, and reading Biscuit books. But for Madi, Kindergarten was not so simple.
Cadence’s Story
Cadence was only 18 months old when she was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. Her mother took her to their pediatrician’s office multiple times, only for covering nurses to misdiagnose her symptoms. “I knew something more was going on—I just did not know what,” says Stephanie, Cadence’s mom. Stephanie described Cadence’s symptoms to a physician co-worker, who […]
Our Story
Cure JM was founded 19 years ago by a small group of volunteers who wanted to change the world for children with a rare disease few had ever heard of—juvenile myositis, or JM.
Nathanael’s Story
Nathanael was an active 7-year-old. In the summer of 2014, he played baseball under the Southern California sun, and that’s when the rash started. “He started having this weird rash on his legs,” says Maggie, Nathanael’s mom. They brushed it off as allergies and looked for the right cream, assuming it would eventually disappear. Then […]
Community Advisory Board
Kara Backo Let me introduce myself. My name is Kara (Guzik) Backo and as a child I battled with juvenile dermatomyositis. In 1973 at the age of six, I was the first child diagnosed with this rare disease at The Cleveland Clinic. From my initial diagnoses, my parents were told that I would not make […]
Randy: A Grandparent’s Story of Hope
Over ten years ago—in the spring of 2012—Brynn’s parents, Matt and Carrie, noticed a change in their daughter. Brynn had seemed like her normal four-year-old self while with her grandparents for Easter. But by May, something was different. “Our daughter, Carrie, and her husband Matt noticed that Brynn was not her active self,” says Randy, […]
Natalia’s Story
Natalia is seven years old, and in January 2021, she began experiencing pain. Everyday tasks were difficult. Natalia’s parents, Lindsay and Matt, reached out to her pediatrician, who ran some bloodwork, but recommended Natalia be tested for Celiac disease. While Natalia’s blood test showed positive for Celiac disease, they would’ve had to wait weeks for […]
Elinor: A Grandparent’s Story of Hope
My grandson, Connor, was diagnosed at a very young age. Since he was two years old, he has struggled with rigorous and invasive treatments. From then on, we knew he needed to have all his family’s love and support, now more than ever. Life hasn’t been easy for him, and it breaks my heart to […]
Olivia’s Story
Olivia is four years old, and she’s been fighting juvenile myositis for almost two years. At the beginning of her treatment, Olivia’s parents, Leah and P.J., felt helpless in easing her pain. They wanted to help her however they could, so they channeled their efforts. “Raising money for Cure JM helped us focus our energy […]
Meet the Kania Family: Giving Tuesday Co-Chairs
Leah and PJ are parents to four-year-old daughter Olivia, who has been bravely fighting JM for almost two years. Together, they lead Cure JM’s annual Giving Tuesday Fundraiser. At the beginning of treatment, Leah and PJ felt helpless in easing Olivia’s pain—so they channeled their efforts into Cure JM.